Archive for the ‘Weekend Wanderings’ Category

Tucson 4th Avenue Street Fair-Things to See and Do…

Friday, December 11th, 2015

 

Weekend Wanderings…

Tucson’s 4th Avenue Street Fair fills 4th Avenue, the street with fascinating eclectic stores, with more than 400 white tents in which thousands of people will wander this weekend.
The semi-annual 4th Annual Street Fair is a staple in Tucson, just before the Christmas holidays and during the spring. Artisans from all over will set up and sell their wares.
The weather promises to cooperate with temps in the 60’s and the sun reigning over the area. The enticing smells of funnel cakes, hot dogs, corn dogs and fried foods linger in the air, but no promises of fried pickles or deep fried oreos. Beer is on tap and the 4th Avenue restaurants will also be open.
The Street Fair evokes a sense of excitement and happiness and eagerness to discover what is in the next tent. When several people congregate in front of one tent, the natural instinct is to find out what everyone is checking out!
It’s a time to meander while checking out what is in the 4th Avenue stores too. The Street Fair comes courtesy of the 4th Avenue Street Merchants who originally sponsored the street fair as a marketing event to get people to see what 4th Avenue has to offer.
And now, after many years, the Street Fair is an event eagerly looked forward to by locals, and also by local charities which sponsor booths to hawk food and beverages.

Above the din of the crowds music drifts through the air like a gentle breeze.  Two stages are erected and musicians of all ilk play according to a schedule.  At one stage there may be country and the other, a group singing a capella.  Sometimes there are instrumentalists, or rock groups.  Swaying to the music or improv dancing is encouraged!  Often musicians will have their music for sale.

Crafts and paintings are available for sale; it’s a good place to find unique stocking stuffers, and there is always an abundance of beautifully crafted jewelry.  Woodworking items show beautiful patinas, and hand thrown pottery are one of a kind in an array of styles and colors.  I’m in the market for a new apron, perhaps I can find one in one of the white tents.

It is always remarkable that all the items for sale are hand crafted with love and precision and don’t come from an assembly line.  The ideas were created by the craftsperson who then took the time to transform the idea into a reality.  Hats off to all of these people, and a huge thank you to the Fourth Avenue Merchants for bringing this event to us.

http://www.fourthavenue.org/fairs/general-information/

 

 

 

Weekend Wanderings…

Friday, November 27th, 2015

IMG_1504With temps in the 70’s, and sunshine throughout the days, what a weekend to take advantage of Tucson outdoors! It’s a perfect weekend for hiking on one of the many trails in the Catalinas, the Tucson Mountains, or the Rincons. Wear hiking boots if you have them, and bring plenty of water, along with your snacks. Take your cell phone in case of an emergency.
http://www.visittucson.org/things-to-do/hiking/ has information about the various trails, the locations and categorizes them according to strenuousness. Snakes should not be a problem since they like to sun themselves at 80 degrees or warmer.
For unique southwestern gifts for the hard to buy for on your holiday list, check out the Native American Heritage Social and Indian Craft Market Friday through Sunday from noon to 6 pm at the Sheraton Tucson Hotel and Suites Courtyard, 5151 East Grant. There will be native foods, arts and crafts, music and dancing. More than 15 nations will be represented. Admission is by donation.
The fine art of Ikebana Flower arranging is on exhibit at the Tucson Botanical Garden, 2130 North Alvernon Way. Graceful arrangements with few branches and flowers express the artistic talents of the creator in the interpretation of humanity and nature. Although seemingly simple arrangements, the study of ikebana flower arranging is a life long pursuit and is a creative art expression. While at the Botanical Gardens, wander over to the Butterfly Magic exhibit and be entranced by the beauty of the winged insects.
Animal lovers to attention! The Pima Animal Care Center is having a Black Friday Promotion today from noon to 3 pm and every day through November 30. Come and fall in love with one of the kittens, cats, puppies, or dogs and take it home, already spayed or neutered. The fees are being picked up by Zappo’s and Best Friends, so you only pay the $16 dog license fee. The animals have also be vaccinated and microchipped and come with one free vet visit! PACC is at 4000 North Silverbell Road.
Fact: Did you know if you have a dog which has not been spayed or neutered, in six years, that animal can have 67,000 – yes, sixty seven thousand – offspring. Most of those animals are homeless so care for your pet by spaying and neutering!
If you have to take advantage of Black Friday Sales, locally owned shops on 4th Avenue are having Black Friday Sales. Wander along the iconic 4th Avenue which is home to fun shops in which to browse and buy, and stop for a bite to eat at one of the locally owned restaurants.
Enjoy!

Weekend Wanderings in Tucson…

Friday, November 20th, 2015

bicycle-20clip-20art-1197114401399640364Steren_bike_rider.svg.med7 am Saturday morning the shotgun start of El Tour de Tucson starts the beginning of the 104 mile race. The sun will be climbing over the Rincon Mountains to the east and those fit souls, having had nourishment to get them off to a good start, will be pedaling the first stretch of the annual bicycling race.
The temps will be in the high 40’s, low 50’s during the first start of the morning. Those athletes crouched on their bikes in a position, trying to avoid drag force, otherwise known as wind resistance, should not be riding into wind bursts. In other years, competitors have faced rain, snow, and both cold and hot temperatures but the weatherman promises the Saturday ride should be pleasant.
Always the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the Greater Arizona Biking Association brings together more than 9,000 contestant for various rides around Tucson. The longest race, 104 miles skirts the city and wends its way along winding and rolling hills. There is also a 75 mile race, a 55 mile race and a 40 mile race for those less robust, but wanting to participate. Fun rides for families and children of 11 miles and 5 miles are available.
The day culminates in El Tour Fiesta, an event downtown at the finish line, where awards will be presented with music, food, and the excitement of the race finish.
If shopping for arts and crafts is more your vein, then visit the Tucson Museum of Art annual art and craft show. This juried show on the grounds of the Museum, brings together more than 100 artisans and is a perfect time for gift shopping. The beauty of the hand crafted items is astonishing. Find unique pottery, interesting jewelry sure to draw comments, different crafts worthy of positive comment, and of course paintings.
It also marks the opening of El Nacimiento, the intricate hand made representation of the nativity scene, a true work of both love and art. It is housed at La Casa Cordova in the Historic Block, a home believed to date back to pre-Gadsden purchase. It is on display from November to March. Stop in at Café A La C’art for a bite to eat or purchase from vendors at the artisan fair.
It’s perfect weather for a hike in one of the trails in our mountain ranges, or just a meandering walk downtown to see what’s new. If you’re tired, take the trolley. And of course at night, the music scene comes alive. Sunday at 4 the Sunday Jazz Jam, open to the public and free, is in full swing at Lowe’s Ventana Canyon sponsored by the Tucson Jazz Society.
Always something to do in Tucson, just open your eyes and see!

Weekend Wanderings…

Friday, November 13th, 2015
Digital StillCamera

Digital StillCamera

Tucson, home to Davis Monthan Air Force Base, continues to recognize Veterans Saturday with the “Hats Off to Heroes” festivities. Starting at 11 am and continuing throughout the day, culminating in the Tucson Pops Orchestra’s tribute at the bandshell with special guests The American Bombshells from 5 to 7:30 pm, the day will be packed with activities.
The 5K Fun Run begins at 10 am at the Northwest corner of Reid Park, and the Veterans Resource Fair runs from 10 am to 3 pm at the Bandshell. Throughout the day there will be military displays in various locations in the park, and the food court opens at 11 am offering those yummy diet busting fair foods which we all love! Strains of music will reverberate throughout the day with live music playing at the bandshell from 11 am.
Folks can wander downtown to the Second Saturday for more music and entertainment at various venues. Check http://www.2ndsaturdaysdowntown.com/schedule for the schedule. Take an evening ride on the streetcar or stop in one of the myriad of restaurants for a snack or dinner. Take your jacket or sweater since temps will be dipping during the evening to the 50’s. It’s fun to wander downtown during the evening, seemingly a different landscape than the hustle and bustle of business people scurrying to and fro during the day.
Need a new bike in preparation for El Tour de Tucson? Plenty of cycles from which to choose will be for sale at the Fall Bike Swap Sunday sponsored by the Greater Arizona Biking Association. (GABA).   http://www.bikegaba.org At the corner of 6th Avenue and 7th Street downtown, both individuals and bike shops will sell bikes, from the most elementary to the fanciest of gear.
More than 4800 dogs will strut their stuff at the AKC Coyote Classic Dog Show from 8 am to 4 pm every day this weekend beginning today at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Houghton.
The University of Arizona basketball plays Pacific tonight at McHale with tip off at 7:30. Saturday at 8 pm U of A football meets Utah at the Arizona Stadium, but wear blue because Utah is wearing red.
There is always something to do in Tucson; if you need more ideas, check this website:   http://tucsonhappenings.com/

 

Weekend Wanderings… All Souls Procession…

Friday, November 6th, 2015

asp-2014-03All Souls Procession, totally unique to Tucson, will bring celebrants from all over remembering their loved ones in art, music, food, and a procession. Emanating from El Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, a day of to commemorate those in our lives who have died, the All Souls Procession has grown to a full weekend event which ends with the burning of the urn filled with thoughts and messages to those who are departed.
Participants dress or wear clothing reminding them of the departed, either human or animal, and many carry photographs. The art work which people construct is amazing, with huge paper mache heads or intricate clothing. Workshops to create these masterpieces are held throughout the year.
Skull heads are artfully painted on the faces of participants and skilled stilt walkers proceed in the procession along the city streets as skeletons.
The air is electric with anticipation by observers, many of whom are also dressed commemorating the deceased, craning their necks to see the beginning of the procession. The drum beats echo through the dark night downtown area heralding the beginning of the procession. It is both exciting and solemn, and everyone carries his own personal meaning of this night remembering both good and bad of those who have died.
The weekend culminates in the Procession. Participants should arrive at 4 for the 6:30 start time for the procession. It will end at Mercado San Augustin just west of I-10 and Congress where the urn will be burned and Flam Chen will perform.
As the procession passes, observers can join the procession walking to the finale. This is a photographer’s paradise with varied emotions, colors, expressions. The link below gives detailed information as well as a video and photographs of this expressly unique Tucson event.
http://allsoulsprocession.org/

 

Weekend Wanderings…

Friday, October 30th, 2015

IMG_7932Admittedly Halloween is my favorite holiday and the concept of El Dia De Los Muertos is an occasion I never knew about, having been raised in Connecticut. To conscientiously remember those in life who have died and commemorate them is such a nice tradition. Families and friends will spread picnics of foods and drink enjoyed by the deceased as well as music and mementos at local cemeteries. And in homes, altars will be built to those who have died in remembrance.

Especially for those who do not know about El Dia De Los Muertos, various venues about town will commemorate the day with exhibitions, art work, and altars and include Banda Calaca, a band of “musicians” marching to Altar, which is a community memorial altar in conjunction with the Tucson Museum of Art. Tohono Chul Park will have an exhibition of art work and All Souls Procession will put the finishing touches on the All Souls Procession which takes place the following week.

Congress Street will be the site of the costume contest parade and in a different event, children can trick or treat along Fourth Avenue, venue for a Spooky Kids Costume Contest at 6 pm October 30. Trunk or Treat will be at 604 North 6th Avenue October 31 and will be the site of carnival games, a kids train, petting zoo, music and more.

Nightfall at Old Tucson is designed to scare adults and children alike with ghosts and goblins darting about and appearing as if from no place. Haunted Histories of Tucson will delight those who like macabre history October 31 at Fort Lowell Park, by the Arizona Historical Society. And for those who want to go to the deep dark caves, Howl at the Cave is taking place October 30 and 31 at Colossal Cave
on Old Spanish Trail.

For a complete list of what is happening this weekend, visit www.visittucson.org and check the calendar. Then go out and have a howling good time!

Tucson’s Premier Bike Race…El Tour De Tucson!

Thursday, November 20th, 2014

Bicyclists from the world arrive in Tucson, land of saguaro cacti, beautiful mountain ranges, blue and sunny skies, ready for Saturday’s event, the annual El Tour de Tucson, always held the Saturday before Thanksgiving.  Tucson is well known as a bicycle friendly city and has won the Gold Award and is striving for the Platinum Award.

While Buffalo, a town accustomed to snow, is laden with more than six feet of the white stuff and much of the nation is suffering temperatures far below normal for this time of year, volunteers for El Tour de Tucson are getting their last minute instructions for the 104 mile bicycle ride through Pima County where temps should be in the high 60’s, a comfortable ride for bicyclists pedaling their best.

El Tour de Tucson has four rides: the most strenuous is 104 miles, a 75 miles ride, and a 55 mile ride, and finally a 40 mile ride. This is a city wide event and some streets are closed off to motorists.

The route transverses the city from the south to the east to the north to the west and then back down south to the start place.

Along the route, contingencies of people cheer for their favorite riders. People set up water and snack stations for bicyclists along the shoulders of “country roads”. Police in their orange vests direct traffic … the motto- packs of bicyclists first.

More than 9,000 cyclists are expected for the event and 2600 volunteers will be available to assist cyclists. A full program and schedule of events is at http://www.perimeterbicycling.com/

People planning to travel within the city on Saturday should check the route map on the above web site and plan their travels accordingly. It is easy to be held up for 10-15 minutes when cyclists are crossing major intersections.

Stately saguaros from their hilly perches stand at attention for those who brave the trek on what promises to be a beautiful, warm, Tucson November day!

Tucson Gardening and Weekend Activities…

Saturday, March 19th, 2011

It’s the weekend, I’m trying to keep  Saturdays clear  to do things around the house; the normal – clean, pick up paper mess, put things in order, generally take care of all the mess made during the week.  Sometimes the disorder can be substantial!  And of course run the vacuum around the tiles and then mop the floors.

But it’s springtime and the roll-offs are in the neighborhood which means it’s a grand time to clean out the garage and trot all the junk to the roll-off.  This saves multiple trips to the dump for everyone in the neighborhood and I am eternally grateful that our little enclave orders the roll-offs from the city.

Last weekend the pool was the order of the day.  It is now sparkling, having fished out some of the Arizona Elm leaves which find a home in the bottom of the pool, along with the tiny leaves from the pomegranate bushes.  The birds enjoy a feast for a king when the pomegranates begin to turn from green to red, and then the fruit is full of small holes where seeds have been pecked.  Occasionally I find spots of red bird droppings and smile to myself because I have more than a few plants of various species which came from just that type of planting.

John and Debbie, who own Fiesta Growers and are regulars at the St. Philip’s Plaza Sunday Farmers Market, brought me the seeds I ordered last Sunday.  This weekend I will plant them in pots so I can eat fresh salad for the next few months, at least until it gets so warm I will give up watering. The lettuce mix will provide red leaf and green leaf lettuce, a bit of endive and I will mix that with the peppery arugula which makes a tasty meal or sandwich filling.  The spinach is always dark green and almost sweet, delicious right from the pot and so tender it is a raw treat.

For fun there is French Breakfast Radishes and I confess, they germinate fast and I like to see progress.  Crunchy with a bite, they are delicious just pulled from the pot with the dirt scraped off and eaten in a few bites.  But the bulls blood beets provide beet greens for salads and vegetables and eventually have a bulbous sweet deep red beet.  That’s a two for oner…greens and beets!

Basil grows well in Tucson and I spike my salads with fresh basil for a refreshing change of pace, and I can freeze what is leftover for fresh herbs during the rest of the year.  The cilantro is a Tucson staple for Mexican food as well as Chinese food, and that too along with the parsley is good in salads or as garnishes.

Learning to garden in Arizona is not akin to gardening on the east coast. It takes a few years of practice.  I don’t want the rabbits to eat my fare, nor do I want the javelina to snort around, hence the pots.  It’s a beautiful weekend and I’m going to enjoy the fruits of my labors!

Resources:

Fiesta Growers

http://fiestagrowers.com/

Springtime in Tucson!

Sunday, March 13th, 2011

Cerulean skies, warm breezes, and temperatures in the high 70’s and low 80’s mark spring time in Tucson.  Buds begin to burst from branches.   Golden desert marigolds pop up along highways, the tall, deep blue lupines stand at attention, while the pink globe mallow and red parry pestemon  make a mark on the Arizona landscape.

This is the time to hike, to bike, to be outdoors embracing the warmth and beauty of all Tucson offers.

The smell of the air is fresh, doors and windows are thrown open and the stagnant air of winter is replaced by clean spring fragrances.

Shorts and tees replace long pants and sweatshirts.  The dormant earth comes alive again with color, wafts of newly blossomed vegetation wander in the air, and the delicate feel of regeneration is once again upon us.

It’s the time to enjoy the many free outdoor events which bring together a myriad of cultural activities and represent the creative talents of the Tucson area.

The Tucson Festival of Books winds down today at the University of Arizona campus. Authors, publishers, lovers of books, and literacy advocates  congregrate on campus to listen to panel discussions, enjoy readings by authors, attend workshops,  or enter writing contests.  The event is free and each year grows larger, attracting renowned authors who share their creativity.

Art is in the air and March 18 to the 20th is  Oro Valley Arts in the Park, another free event.   Musicians will perform,  art work of all mediums as well as crafts will be displayed for sale, activities for children are available, and the delectable smells from the food vendors will fill the air. Friday and Saturday hours are from 9 am to 4 pm and on Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.

The Tucson Museum of Art will be open March 25 through 27 as well as the homes on the Historic Block in downtown Tucson for the Annual Spring Artisan Market.  This is the perfect place to purchase unique gifts which can range from one of the kind pottery to a pair of hand crafted earrings,  hand painted cards, or intricately blown glass.

Much of the history of Tucson and the old Presidio are within this historic downtown area and a tour of the homes in this area reflect Tucson’s connection to both Mexico and Spain.   The Presidio of San Augustine del Tucson dates back to 1775, and the Cordova house in particular is a good example of the old adobe construction. Tours are available and are conducted by docents of the Tucson Museum of Art.

Not only is the weather enticing during Tucson’s springtime, but there is plenty to see and do!  Come, enjoy the beauty of  spring time in Tucson and the events which represent Tucson and its culture!

Resources:

Tucson Festival of Books

http://www.tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/

Oro Valley Arts in the Park:

http://www.orovalleyfestival.org/eventinfo.html

Tucson Museum of Art:

http://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/

What Can You Find at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show?

Saturday, February 12th, 2011

Rather than write about it today, I thought I show you some of the myriad of things you can purchase at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.  It will be a gorgeous weeked and the last weekend of this year’s show to get out an “window shop”.